Red Hair Pirates

Foosha Village—Coastal Port.

The sea breeze, tinged with salt, swept past.

Waves crashed against the reefs again and again, creating a steady rhythm of "whoosh—whoosh."

A pirate ship lay quietly moored by the shore.

Its prow was a roaring dragon head, crudely carved from wood yet immensely imposing.

Figures moved back and forth across the deck.

"Lift it carefully—!"

"That's the Celestial Dragons' treasure, damn it! Don't drop it!!!"

"Hahahaha!"

Gold coins lightly clinked together inside the gaps, producing crisp sounds.

Someone kicked open a chest and took a look.

"Whoa—there's really quite a lot!"

"Captain! We got lucky this time!"

The mood aboard the entire ship was relaxed and casual, almost like fishermen returning from sea.

By the shore.

Benn Beckman leaned against the side of the ship with a cigarette between his lips.

Rather than looking at the treasure, his gaze passed over the harbor toward distant Foosha Village.

He slowly exhaled smoke, which was drawn apart by the wind.

"Strange..."

"Why haven't we seen that brat today?"

He turned toward the person beside him. Shanks was standing there.

One hand rested casually at his waist, his red hair stirring softly in the sea breeze, but his gaze was somewhat distant.

He seemed to be thinking about something.

Hearing Beckman's words, he snapped back to himself.

"Luffy?"

The corner of his mouth curled slightly.

"Yeah..."

"At this time, he should usually already be bouncing all over the harbor."

His tone carried familiar helplessness, along with a little... anticipation.

"Hahahaha—!!!"

A burst of laughter cut in.

"Captain!"

Lucky Roux ambled over while gnawing on a chicken leg. His green sailor uniform was stretched tight over his round belly, and grease covered the corners of his mouth.

"He must still be upset because you laughed at him for not knowing